How to Calculate Linear Feet

In most cases linear feet are simply a measurement in feet. To find linear footage, you simply need to find the measurement in feet, and that’s the answer. Linear feet and feet are the same measurement, and do not require width or thickness measurements at all.

Linear footage is a measure of length, 1 foot is 1 linear foot. Linear footage measurements do require a straight line measurement. Lumber, fencing, and fabrics are commonly sold by the linear foot.

How to Find Linear Footage

Finding linear footage requires finding the footage measurement. Use a tape measure and measure the length of your board. Linear footage is a measurement of length, so the width and thickness measurements are not needed. If your measurement is not in feet, simply convert to feet and you have the correct measurement. Use our inch fraction calculator to convert inches or centimeters to feet.

Resources for converting to feet

Finding Linear Feet of Multiple Boards

To find the linear feet of multiple pieces of lumber you need to measure the length of each piece and add the measurements together. Take note of the length of each board and after all measurements are complete then use a calculator such as our feet and inches calculator to add the feet measurements together.

Calculate Linear Footage Price

Calculating the cost of lumber that is priced by the linear foot requires finding the total feet needed and then multiplying by the price per foot. When ordering material this way it’s a good idea to consider the lengths that lumber is sold by as additional material may be needed to avoid unnecessary joints. We recommend ordering an additional 10% of materials to account for off-cuts and waste as general rule of thumb.